Sunday, December 20, 2009

Yesterday afternoon was the Australian Federation of Instructors 2009 Presentation Day. There was a BBQ, black belt kata displays, "Santa Sensei" Kris Kringle, a raffle, awarding of grading certificates, and Kancho's class.

The trun-out from Monash Caulfield was pleasining:

Left to right: Anthony, Lizzie, Robin, Damian,

yours truly, Lejoe, Lisa, Ashley

Holding their new certificates are:

Lizzie: purple I, jiu-jitsu

Damian: purple I & II, jiu-jitsu

Lejoe: purple I judo; purple II & yellow I, jiu-jitsu

Ashley: purple I & II judo; purple II, jiu-jitsu

Congratulations to all, and also to Steve (purple I, jiu-jitsu) in absentia. Thanks to Anthony, Lisa, and Robin for coming along anyway, even though they didn't grade (this time).

Disappointingly, club kata presentations were bumped because of a tight schedule. However, we should be very well practiced for next year!

There were numerous black-belt promotions across the organization. Of particular note, Sharen Cummings, who started training a year after me, but left to work in America for eight years, received her Shodan Ho (provisional first degree black belt) in judo.

Monash mafia:

Left to Right: Sensei Tony, Sempai Sharen, me, Sempai Tim

Also, Sempai Tim Wilkin received his Shodan Ho in judo, and I received my Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in judo.

Well done to us, and to everyone else in the Federation who successfully graded this time, and to everyone for a great year!